Forum

Looking at the nice photo of the full glass roof (go to TeslaMotors.com, click on "Model S", click on "Learn More ->" just above and to the right of "300 Miles per charge") made me wonder as others have: will it be too hot? Can you see the information on the touchscreen?

How will you "close" the view above? Is switchable glass possible for automotive and curved glass applications? (LCD built in to the glass makes it electrically controllable to be clear vs. "frosted" (translucent) or "mirror" (opaque).

If it's possible, there would be no significant weight or volume difference from standard glass. Instant control from the dash. (Fresh air is done the old fashioned way...)

That's (1) for me. While I'm brainstorming (fantasizing?), someday I'd like to see some other electronic features: (2) How does Google Maps get their traffic information? Internet connected cars could easily periodically report their position and average speed for wherever they are, thus enabling intelligent re-routing of other connected cars around traffic, whatever the cause.

(3) I'm used to backup cameras. What I'd really like is a simulated view of my car seen from above, showing all the cars nearby. This might be done with front, back and side cameras and real-time stitching, or with ultrasonic or laser scanning around the car. The view would show on a display, preferably one that can be seen easily while driving. No need to look over your shoulder as you're about to cut someone off with a lane change when you already know they're there. Not a replacement for good driving, but nice.

(4) Skype application in the car. Mobile ISPs don't like it, but it would be nice.

(5) Social mode: detect other nearby cars with local connectivity (Bluetooth auto-pairing? Wireless access point from your car to others?) and talk to them over your Bluetooth mike and speakers! "Man, did you see that guy cut off the ambulance!" "Do you know any good restaurants around here?" "Do you know what's causing this traffic?" "How 'bout them Yankees?" :) "Nice day!" "I like the color of your Tesla S - wanna get a cup of coffee?" It would make driving more like walking with others in public - more personable. But you could just shut it off!

I'm sure many of you have ideas, too!

Brian H | 6. May 2011

Urk. Unfortunately, the socializing/chatting parts of the brain are the same ones that assess the immediate environment and navigate you through it. Crashing is a crude way of interrupting a conversation.

Volker.Berlin | 6. May 2011

At this stage of development, I do not waste a single thought on apps or software features. As soon as the hardware is finalized and available, all sorts of apps will pop up out of nothing, and the useful ones will quickly become popular. In particular I do not worry about Google maps, which has been furiously evolving during the last few months, and it seems that Google wants to keep that pace. Not to mention the inevitable but potentially useful official Tesla software updates.

I assume that hardware for wireless and GPS, probably also accelerometer and ambient light sensor, and access to that hardware by custom apps, can be taken for granted -- just as with any recent smart phone.

Sure, for a bird-view feature you need additional hardware, i.e., multiple cameras (at least). I do not know if Tesla will have anything like that ready for the Model S 1.0, but at least it is not totally unlikely. I think I read that BMW does already offer a system like that, that generates a virtual view from above your car where in fact there is no camera, using data from sensors/cameras placed around the car. I think that's cool, but I could easily go without that.

I'd like to have a 12 volt outlet on the ceiling near the rear view mirror. That would make it easier to plug in a radar detector.

Timo | 8. May 2011

A very good reason not to put one there.

divine | 8. May 2011

id like vertical lifting doors, not just because they look cool, but because i think the function better than doors that swing out. have u ever came out of store and go to your car only to find out someone parked too close to your car and u cant get in on the drivers side cuz the door wont open enough for u to get in.

VolkerP | 10. May 2011

did u ever enter an underground parking lot. maaaan they can have really low ceilings. Wud like to see u crawl out from under ur door.

Supergreekster | 10. May 2011

WiFi:

For car firmware upgrades, CDDB look-up for stereo

Stereo:

HD integration for scanning in CDs
Or good iPod interface through touchscreen...

Also, surround cameras would be awesome... I think it is GREAT for highway blind spot safety...

Thumper | 10. May 2011

Definitely want blind spot sensing and back up cameras plus front bumper proximity assist. BMW seems to be out front on this. I would really like to have similar abilities.
For interior sound, many car companies work with an audio company. Tesla could not do better than Bill Duddleson at Legacy audio in Springfield, Illinois. He makes super award-winning speakers. Legacy is here in the US and is not currently affiliated with another car company. I have no idea if he would be receptive.

Supergreekster | 11. May 2011

Need some awesome steering wheel controls for radio, climate, cruise, phone... See other posts by me...

I am scared that 17" touch panel will be hard to use while vehicle in motion...

I also like the idea that a single button can do mutiple things: for example:

A quick push-release (click)
A long push (click-hold)
A double click
A click then a click-hold (beginning to get challenging)
Triple click starts to get too hard...

This was pertaining to steering wheel mounted controls...

dashrb | 12. May 2011

@divine, and @VolkerP: We need Pocket Doors! :-)

jkirkebo | 13. May 2011

Another vote for a power outlet in the trunk from me. Obviously 230V for the european version. And make it a proper 16A (3600W) capable outlet, not some "125W max" useless thing...

Such an outlet could also be used for emergency charging of other EVs.

msiano17 | 15. May 2011

The problem with the buttons is having too many buttons on your steering wheel. The new Maseratis have the typical buttons on the front and then I believe 12 on the back of the steering wheel. Over complication of the steering wheel at that point ...

Need a few buttons for simple controls and then voice control for the rest.

Volker.Berlin | 16. May 2011

I said this once but I cannot find the thread any more... I love the Audi steering wheel buttons. There are only a few buttons, and there is a "thumb roller" on each side of the steering wheel, that can also be pressed, similar to a mouse wheel. Those rollers are great for adjusting volume or selecting items from lists (like when setting up navigation or choosing a radio station). If done right, it is equally easy to enter steps of one (clack, clack, clack) as it is to jump ten steps at a time with a zippy stroke (brrrrt!). Those rollers are so much better than having to repeatedly push a button!

Brian H | 16. May 2011

Nah. A skull cap that lowers from the roof and reads your brain waves. Train it with a few hours voice and button and display examples, and then just think your wishes and they will be fulfilled!

By the time we have a 1000 miles battery, Tesla may be offering this as an option... ;-)

EdG | 24. May 2011

As computers get faster, we all tolerate response delays less and less. Likewise, I think it would be nice if the handles pop out either (a) when I approach with my key or (b) when I push a button on the key within 50 feet of the car, rather than having to touch the handle every time and wait. While it's great the first few times, I think it might get "old".

I already unlock doors on my old car when I approach, hop in, start and belt up and shift with minimal time. It seems reasonable to allow for us to do this much faster with a car that, in some sense, doesn't need to "start".

While the handle is popping out, other things might happen, too, perhaps only when those options are previously set:
1) get the car's cabin temperature going
2) if the battery-motor system needs some multi-second pre-charge, start that up
3) turn on the dash and 17" screen, etc.

It's been almost 20 years since I could impress the kids with minivan doors that open by magic. A little magic goes a long way.

TJK | 24. May 2011

EdG...

Check out this video. Elon states that in the production model, the handles will automatically open when you approach the door with the key fob.

I'm concerned about shipping a car with 3G wireless connectivity in 2012. Verizon says they may stop shipping phones with 3G in 2013. In other words, 3G is dead by the time the Model S ships.

Rather, the car should use a PC Card type communications capability so we can upgrade. Model S needs to start out with 4G.

We don't want to have a car that lasts 5 years dependent on a communications technology that's good for 2 years.

Supergreekster | 24. May 2011

+1 for 4G!

However, most/all cell phones are backwards compatible... For instance my 3G iPhone can also get on EDGE network...

But I think use highest spec for the time, this is 4G!

DanD | 24. May 2011

We don't want a backwards compatible car. We want a forward compatible car.

What happens in 2015 when 4G gives way to 5g. Or, should it use femto cells and access Wi-Fi in the garage?

It always struck me that for such a high tech car, the assertion that the Model S seemed, well, backward.

mnx | 24. May 2011

Another reason to just be able to share you phones data plan with the car via wifi or whatever.

sojourner | 24. May 2011

Variable DC voltage (12-24V) plugs build into armrests so that any passenger has the option of powering a laptop, accessory or other electronic device efficiently without using an inverter.

EdG | 24. May 2011

After writing a web page on the subject, I'd like to see both UVA and UVB protection from all the glass without having to go aftermarket for a coating. Reduce those tans, burns and skin cancers. Thanks in advance! :)